— THE GRESB INFRASTRUCTURE FUND ASSESSMENT —
The Investor-driven Global ESG Benchmark for the Infrastructure Sector
The Infrastructure Fund Assessment assesses the ESG performance of infrastructure funds.
Institutional investors are demanding information about the ESG management and investment processes undertaken by fund managers. The Infrastructure Fund Assessment addresses this need through a consistent, globally applicable reporting and benchmarking framework.
What is the GRESB Infrastructure Fund Assessment?
The GRESB Infrastructure Fund Assessment provides the basis for systematic reporting, objective scoring and peer benchmarking of ESG management and performance of infrastructure funds around the world. The process is unique in the ESG space and leads to deep data insights for investors and infrastructure fund managers.
The Fund Assessment contains 12 indicators focused on management and investment processes. These indicators address foundational ESG plans and policies, leadership and accountability, engagement strategies, communications processes and other factors.
Additionally, the fund’s underlying assets may participate in the complimentary Infrastructure Asset Assessment. While the participation of underlying assets is not required, funds participating with at least 25% of assets will receive an overall GRESB score and be allocated to a corresponding peer group.
The data are subjected to a multi-layer validation process and the result is high-quality data that investors and participants can use in their investment and decision-making processes.
What type of funds does the GRESB Infrastructure Fund Assessment cover?
The GRESB Infrastructure Fund Assessment is designed to assess funds across a wide range of sectors, including energy generation, energy transmission, water resource management, transportation and social infrastructure.
Common examples of infrastructure funds participating in the GRESB Infrastructure Fund Assessment include:
• A sector-focused fund with investments in toll roads
• A geographic-focused fund with investments in a specific region, such as North America or Oceania
• A segregated account that is globally diversified offering exposure to several sectors
Benefits of Participating
| Improved ability to manage your infrastructure fund in the face of sustainability risks. | Insight into how to best capitalize on sustainability-related opportunities such as lowering operating costs and meeting regulatory requirements. | ||
| Clearer picture of your ESG performance and how it compares against your peers. | Better understanding of the actions you can take to improve your ESG performance in the most efficient way. | ||
| Greater knowledge of investor needs and perspectives to enrich your investor engagement. | Improved opportunity to attract new investors, including long term investors and investors seeking more comprehensive risk and opportunity analysis. | ||
| Reduced time and effort needed to respond to ad-hoc requests relating to sustainability issues. | Ability to report validated ESG performance information to the market using a global industry standard. | ||
| More consistent messaging about your sustainability performance to your stakeholders. | Recognition that you have taken a significant step towards leadership on ESG issues. |
GRESB Infrastructure Investor Members
The Assessment provides a communication platform to improve engagement with investors and enables participants to report validated ESG performance information in a format and language that serves their needs.
View all GRESB Investor Members
Assessment Process
The Assessment follows a regular annual timeline, with the Portal opening on April 1 each year. Participants complete the Assessment by reporting through the Portal. Prior to finalizing their submission, participants are given the opportunity to request a Response Check to minimize the risk of errors.
The submission deadline is July 1, which provides participants with a three-month window to complete the Assessment. Once all Assessments have been submitted and the Portal has closed, GRESB begins the process of validating, scoring and benchmarking the submitted data:
SYSTEMATIC ASSESSMENT
1. Validation
GRESB has established a robust data validation process to underpin the accuracy and reliability of its output. It is based on a three-layer data quality control process designed to ensure submission of high quality information. The approach to validation was developed by PwC and involves third party verification by GBCI.
2. Objective Scoring
The GRESB Scoring Model is based on an automated system, which uses a technology platform designed for GRESB by a third party that specializes in data analysis software development. The scoring is completed without manual intervention after data input.
3. Peer Benchmarking
Peer comparisons that take into account country, regional, sectoral and investment type variations provide a powerful lens through which to benchmark performance. Each participant is assigned to a peer group, based on the entity’s legal structure (listed/private), sector and geographical location.
Assessment Results
The Assessment Results are launched in September each year. The 11 indicators in the Fund Assessment contribute to provide an overall Fund Score. If the fund participates with at least 25% of its assets in the complimentary GRESB Infrastructure Asset Assessment, the fund will also receive a GRESB Score and be allocated to a corresponding peer group.
In addition to the overall scores, participants can access powerful analytical tools and services that provide in-depth analysis of sustainability performance, enable detailed peer group comparisons and highlight industry best practices.
First year participants can submit the Assessment without providing GRESB Investor Members with the ability to request access to their results. This is referred to as a “Grace Period”.
Fees, Benefits & Levels of Participation
You can either choose to submit the Assessment as a non-member or submit the Assessment as a GRESB Member. GRESB Members have access to additional analytical tools in the Member Portal, a free Response Check as well as preferential marketing, industry recognition, and networking opportunities. Membership benefits apply to all reporting entities.
| BENEFITS | NON MEMBER | GRESB MEMBER | BENEFITS EXPLAINED |
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| Scorecard | The Scorecard provides a summary breakdown of your ESG performance. |
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| Benchmark Report | The Benchmark Report provides an in-depth analysis of your sustainability performance and a detailed indicator-level comparison with peers. |
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| Third-party Validation | A three-layer, end-to-end validation process underpins the accuracy and reliability of your results. |
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| GRESB Helpdesk | Dedicated to answer your questions and help you complete your Assessment smoothly and efficiently. |
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| Guidance Materials | The "Guidance" tab in the Portal and the Assessment Reference Guides outline the information to provide for each indicator. |
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| Template Tools | The Template Tool enables you to copy information across multiple submissions. |
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| Streamlined Reporting Tools | Pre-filling functionality, real-time error detection, access rights control, a document upload library and API connections help you with an efficient and accurate submission. |
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| Portfolio Analysis Tool | Members can examine the performance of their aggregate portfolio against self-selected benchmarks using the Portfolio Analysis Tool |
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| GRESB Advisory Bodies | Members are eligible to participate in GRESB Advisory Bodies. |
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| Member Directory | Members are profiled on the Member Directory. |
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| GRESB Events | Members have preferential attendance and speaking opportunities. |
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| GRESB Insights | Members have the opportunity to contribute articles and case studies to GRESB Insights. |
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| Assessment Training | EUR 550 (USD 650) | Members receive one free seat for Assessment Training. Additional seats discounted to EUR 450 (USD 550) |
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| Customized Benchmark Report | EUR 1,750 (USD 2,050) | Customized Benchmark Report discounted to EUR 1,250 (USD 1,500) for Members |
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| Response Check | EUR 1,750 (USD 2,050) | Members receive a free Response Check for one entity. Additional discounted to EUR 1,250 (USD 1,500) |
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| Results Review | EUR 1,750 (USD 2,050) | Results Review discounted to EUR 1,250 (USD 1,500) for Members |
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| Access Benchmark Reports for underlying assets | Members with an Asset Data Subscription can access Benchmark Reports for participating underlying assets |
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| Participation Fee*: EUR 3,500 (USD 4,100) | Annual Fee: Starting at EUR 4,000 (USD 4,700) See Member fee schedule |
*If you are a first year participant or a fund headquartered in a non-OECD country, the participation fee is waived and you will receive a free Scorecard. **Fees can be paid by credit card or following receipt of an invoice. For invoice requests, GRESB charges a EUR 500 or USD 600 administration fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of organizations should complete the GRESB Infrastructure Fund Assessment?
The GRESB Infrastructure Fund Assessment is designed to assess funds across a wide range of sectors and sub-sectors, including energy generation, energy transmission, water resource management, transportation and social infrastructure.
Common examples of infrastructure funds participating in the GRESB Infrastructure Fund Assessment include:
- A sector-focused fund with investments in toll roads
- A geographic-focused fund with investments in a specific region, such as North America or Oceania
- A segregated account that is globally diversified offering exposure to several sectors
Do I need to be a GRESB Member to submit an Infrastructure Fund Assessment?
No, you do not have to be a GRESB Member to submit an Infrastructure Fund Assessment. You can submit an Assessment as a non-member by choosing to pay the nominal participation fee.
This table highlights the difference between participating as a GRESB Member and non-member.
What is the fee structure for the 2019 Infrastructure Fund Assessment?
There is a flat participation fee for non-members of EUR 3,500 or USD 4,100 per entity for the 2019 Fund Assessment, payable once annually. This covers access to guidance materials, helpdesk support, a three-layer validation process as well as the Scorecard and Benchmark Report providing a detailed analysis of results. See table for details.
The participation fee applies globally, with the exception of first year participant and funds headquartered in a non-OECD country.
If the participation fee is waived, you will receive a free Scorecard. You will have the option of purchasing a Benchmark Report with a more in-depth analysis of your sustainability performance. The Benchmark Report is available for EUR 3,500 (USD 4,100).
The participation fee can be paid by credit card or following receipt of an invoice. For invoice requests, GRESB charges a EUR 500 or USD 600 administration fee.
GRESB Members:
Alternatively, you can choose to submit the Assessment as a GRESB Member and take advantage of additional member benefits.
The annual Member fee is dependent on the number of participating funds. See the 2019 Member fee schedule.
In addition, Members can select an Asset Data Subscription in order to access Benchmark Reports for all their underlying assets participating in the GRESB Infrastructure Asset Assessment.
What is the Grace Period?
First year participants can submit the Assessment without providing GRESB Investor Members with the ability to request access to their results. This is referred to as a “Grace Period”.
First year participants wishing to report under the Grace Period can select the option on an entity-by-entity basis from the settings section in the Assessment Portal. Participants who select the “Grace Period” option can decide to unselect the option following receipt of their results. The Grace Period is not available in the second year of participation, regardless of whether it was used in the first year or not.
The “Grace Period” allows participants a year to familiarize themselves with the GRESB reporting and assessment process. The names of participating entities are still visible during the Grace Period, but GRESB Investor Members will not be able to request to see their results.
GRESB Members and participants paying the flat participation fee have access to Benchmark Reports for all of their reporting entities, whether or not they report an entity under “Grace Period”.
Can I participate in the Assessment with multiple assets and funds?
Yes, it is possible, and a separate Assessment should be submitted for each asset or fund. First, register as an individual via the GRESB Portal. Once you have registered, you will be able to add individual assets and funds to the GRESB Portal and complete a GRESB Assessment on behalf of each of those entities.
When is the Portal open for the 2019 Assessment?
The Assessment Portal is open from April 1 to July 1, 2019. See the 2019 Assessment timeline.
Other questions?
If you have any further questions please see our support page or contact us directly.